Unique to Cumbria spar boxes were a competitive traditional pastime of 19th century lead miners. Great pride was taken in the making of these cases from the mineral crystals they found in cavities as they worked the seams of lead ore. Annual shows and competitions were held in the towns of the North Penines and prizes were awarded for the best and most elaborate spar cases and models. Many of the prized exhibits were sold supplementing the miner’s income and becoming collector’s items of man made natural curiosity.